Volunteer Director Board of Directors

The current Board of the
Back to the Sea Society

is seeking local citizens (located in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki) with a
passion for community and marine education

to join a volunteer team that, in conjunction with the Executive Director, leads the direction, oversight, governance, fundraising, and growth of the Back to the Sea Centre and all other related projects.

We are seeking Directors with the following skillsets, but encourage all interested to apply.

• Accounting & Financial Management
• Fundraising
• Grant Writing
• Education

The Back to the Sea Society is a non-profit organization and registered charity. Its mission is to spark curiosity for local marine life and foster a sense of responsibility for the conservation of the ocean. This is accomplished through live animal displays, interpretation, direct action and inquiry based learning.  

All members of the Board contribute to a working board. That is to say, all Directors must be ready to take on the dual responsibility of governance and some operations (more operational input and hands-on help is required in the off season when the number of staff members decrease).  

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the mission and vision of the Back to the Sea Society is upheld throughout all activities
• Ensure the sound financial well being of the society
• Help plan, forecast and monitor the Society's budget
• Work directly with the Executive Director of the organization in the execution of its mission
• Promote the Society's mission at all possible and appropriate opportunities
• Participate in major fundraising initiatives, foster fundraising relationships and draw on networks to support fundraising efforts when possible
• Attend Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting each year
• Creatively seek opportunities for partnerships with businesses, government, other non-profits and citizens
• Maintain clear communication through regular reporting via email, telecommunications and at meetings
• Support events and operations
• Support the strategic plan creation
• Ensure Board succession planning
• Serve on one of the two Board level committees (see below)

Board Norms

• Passionate about our ocean's future
• Prone to fun and play at work
• Supportive of the collect-hold-and-release philosophy
• Supportive of the strong focus on hands-on, inquiry based learning
• Promotes an inclusive environment that encourages bright ideas and action
• Dedicated, hard workers with fulfilling lives
• Transparent, respectful and professional communications

Commitment

• Two year term, renewable
• Weekly email communications and 48-hour response times from all board members
• Approximately 2-5 hours per month should be expected for board duties depending on season, events and cycles.
• Attendance at all important major events, such as opening day and fundraisers.
• In person attendance at all quarterly meetings (video attendance can be set up when required, but it should not be the norm).

While the 2026 schedule has yet to be set up, in the past meetings have taken place between 7-9pm on a week night

Board Committees

Every Board member is expected to take part in either the Internal Affairs or External Affairs Committee. These committees meet a minimum of four times a year.  

• The Internal Affairs Committee assists the Society in the planning and management of operational issues, including finances and human resources. The committee supports the Executive Director in completing director recruitment, orientation and board performance. They serve as the lead in managing the Board's relationship with the Executive Director, including recruitment, negotiation of employment agreements and performance evaluation.
• The External Affairs Committee assists the Society in managing fundraising, communications and marketing efforts. They help with the planning, coordination and implementation of fundraising activities in support of its programs, projects and activities. Fundraising in this context refers to revenue raising events, charitable donations from individuals and organizations and operational grants. Fundraising does not include revenue generating programming offered by the Society.

Thank you for your interest in the Back to the Sea Society. To show your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the Back to the Sea Society Board of Directors, please send your resume and a letter of intent outlining your interest in joining, skills you wish to apply or build while serving, and your time availability.  

We look forward to hearing from you 

Please send application to

Back to the Sea is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applicants from Indigenous People, Visible Minority Groups, Persons with Disabilities, People of the LGBTQ+ community and Women to occupy positions where they are underrepresented. It is the responsibility of every team member of Back to the Sea to embrace a culture that promotes diversity.

Back to the Sea works in the traditional lands of the Mi'kmaq.